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  "path": "/politics/henry-nowak-keir-starmer-releases-statement",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-01T18:03:23.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nSir Keir Starmer has finally broken his silence on the murder of Essex teenager Henry Nowak after being shamed for failing to release a statement.\n\nThe Prime Minister, who was quick to condemn US police officers following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, penned an 89-word response after Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life for killing the 18-year-old with a Sikh ceremonial knife, known as a kirpan.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"This an awful, shocking case. Henry’s loved ones have gone through the trauma of a long trial and endured Henry's killer making up appalling claims about their son who was thoughtful, kind and deeply loved.\n\n\"It is right that the IOPC is investigating the police’s response to his senseless murder.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"And we must end the cycle of tragedy by tackling the horror of knife crime.\n\n\"Henry’s family, friends, his university and the city of Southampton will continue to feel his loss, and our thoughts will always be with them.\"\n\nThe Prime Minister's statement was released just hours after Digwa, 23, was jailed for life for stabbing the 18-year-old University of Southampton student five times with a 21cm blade that he carried as a symbol of his Sikh faith.\n\nDigwa, who must serve at least 21 years in prison, told police that Mr Nowak had racially abused him before punching him.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHowever, Judge William Mousley KC concluded the finance student had not racially abused Digwa.\n\nSentencing the 23-year-old, Judge Mousley said: \"I am sure that Henry had said nothing racist.\n\n\"You are the only person to make that claim and it is completely at odds with his previous character.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Keir Starmer breaks silence on Henry Nowak's murder after being shamed for failure to release statement"
}